Worms to go

Encapsulated earthworms available now

Lauren Bonar Swezey
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Great for your garden, earthworms are little fertilizer factories that deposit nutrient-rich castings while aerating the soil. Not long ago, though, if you ordered earthworms by mail, a bag of wriggling red worms would arrive on your doorstep with at least a few casualties of transit enclosed.

Now you can order earthworms and be assured they'll arrive safe and sound in their own little protective packaging. When placed in the soil (at a rate of one capsule per square foot), the worms hatch and begin their job. Encapsulated Earthworm Cocoons are $13 for a package of 50 capsules from Gardens Alive (513/354-1482).